Story perspectives

UK Degrees Losing Value Amid Economic Stagnation, Warns Expert

1/3/2026

46 4

Summary

Story summary

Prof. Shitij Kapur, head of King’s College London, says a degree in the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer a guaranteed path to social mobility as graduates multiply and the economy stagnates.
Graduates still earn more than non-graduates while real earnings stagnate.
International students are essential for maintaining the quality of UK education.
Kapur warns against restricting their numbers.
Universities must lead in technological innovation to keep the UK competitive.

1 of 1

Story summary

Prof. Shitij Kapur, head of King’s College London, says a degree in the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer a guaranteed path to social mobility as graduates multiply and the economy stagnates.
Graduates still earn more than non-graduates while real earnings stagnate.
International students are essential for maintaining the quality of UK education.
Kapur warns against restricting their numbers.
Universities must lead in technological innovation to keep the UK competitive.